Team News: Valencia v. Arsenal

For the last preseason match before the 09/10 Barclay's Premier League, Arsenal travels south to the sunny and beautiful Spain to take on Valencia at the Mestalla

As far as preseason games go, this one is as important as they get. Arsene is expected to field the team he wants to start at Goodison Park. Of course this is barring any unexpected injuries tonight or in the absolutely ******* idiotic international games on Wednesday.

It is looking increasingly likely that we will be using a 4-3-3 in the new season to accomodate our wealth of attacking talent as well as our lack of a true defensive partner for Fabregas that is required in a 4-4-2 formation. This match will challenge that formation as much as a preseason match can. Valencia is a good attacking team that can pose a threat from all areas of the pitch. With Silva, Fernandes, and Joaquin in the midfield, they will press forward and severly test how our three midfielders will protect our back five. Also with one of the top 5 strikers in the world, David Villa, the partnership of Gallas and Djourou will also face a stern test.

Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs have been included in the squad for the first time this preseason. Nasri, Vermaelen, and Rosicky are all out.